“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”  

― Albert Einstein

My husband and I recently took a short vacation together - it was much needed for him as he has been working hard and not getting a lot of down time.  I was looking forward to having some time with him and exploring a new area and seeing new sights.  Yes, I did take my camera equipment - the image above was taken during the trip - but to be honest, photography was not my goal for this trip, special time with my husband was.

When I am out shooting professionally, my mindset is "focused" differently then when I am being a traveler, or spending time with family and friends.  When I am shooting, I am working on a task, on finding the right elements or light or subject, and that takes up my thought process fully.  I must be fully present in that moment in order to "see" what I want to capture.  

When I have special time with others, especially those I love and cherish, I must be just as completely present with them to live those miracle moments together.  Like my photographer self, I only get one chance to catch those extraordinary times, and when the moments are gone, they're gone and cannot be reclaimed.  Life and photography share that so well!

Our lives and our time with those we love is not infinite.  Every moment is special and should be revered and remembered.  We should truly live as if today were our last day on earth; noticing each little thing, opening our hearts and our eyes to the beauty we have around us, giving our compassion and our love openly, cherishing and honoring those we love and each moment we have together.  

Our trip was wonderful and we made some great new memories together during it.  Yes, I did take a few pics, yet what I remember more was the time spent together.  Those moments are in my heart, and are more important than any photograph I might have taken.  I am warmed by the remembrance, and the love.  These are everyday miracles - and they are worth more than anything. These moments are treasures - hold them and cherish them, and remember to notice these moments - they happen every day!  Be present - live fully - embrace your life!  Let those special times in life take your breath away and you will be fully alive and filled with joy. The moments are truly everywhere if we simply open our eyes to see.

“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” 

― Hilary Cooper

Namaste,

Lesli

The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls. - Pablo Picasso

I recently heard a story about a principal of a troubled school on the East Coast who took the position in order to change the downward direction of the school.  He made some sweeping changes, including changing the makeup of the school personnel, and hours for classes.  He removed security guards and used the funds to hire art teachers.  Given the troubled history of the school, this was a bold move, yet the principal remained committed to the need for art and art teachers.  

The school has now become a successful model for others, and a standard bearer for the importance of inclusion of arts programs in curriculum.  I felt this was a great lesson to show why art is important as a springboard for learning and creativity development, and this principal was willing to take a huge leap of faith and commitment in order to turn his school around dramatically. His reward was seeing students who were learning more, succeeding more, and believing in themselves and their abilities.  Art played a major role in this rebirth.

Art is one of the first things most children learn in life - they draw or color, make paper figures or cutouts, sing and dance to their own tunes.  This is how personal expression comes into play, and we need to foster and encourage this throughout the education process through life, and in ourselves as well.

I was never any good at painting or sketching, but I did it as a child, and even later on (can you say "Paint by Numbers"?) I was happy doing creative things.  My attempts were crude and basic, but the spark was there.  It was not until I picked up a camera that I felt I had found my artistic voice.

Many people and many famous artists have similar stories about their humble art beginnings.  The thread that remains is the positive encouragement given them to work and learn and grow.  No matter if the medium is painting, writing, dance, music, photography, sculpture, or any other art form, encouragement to find your own voice is so important, as children and adults!  Call yourself an artist proudly, and surround yourself with others who share that passion and love - watch how they work and learn.  Even if you only do art for yourself, be proud of it and that you are finding your expression of life.

I have a great many people in my life who have encouraged and supported my work, and I would not be the person I am today without them.  My Mother and my wonderful husband top that list.  Mom, at the end of her life told me that there is no perfect time to wait for, and to go for it now.  My husband, Rich, each and every day shows me more love and positivity that I ever thought possible. I thank them every day for their love.

I am also lucky to have many friends with whom I share love for photography and nature - they are each and every one special and unique in their vision and work and personality.  They inspire me and I am proud to be their friend.  Their voice is in their work, and their art is incredible.  They open their hearts and art flows from it beautifully and soulfully.

The moral to this story?  Art is important and vital for us as humans.  It challenges us, it enriches us, it makes us think.  When a person engages in artwork, it connects into a part of our brains that fuels creative thinking and problem solving.  It makes us better at seeing and visualization and abstraction.  And, for many of us, it gives us a chance to go out and meet and work with like minded individuals who will amaze us through their own art.  Art opens us to greater vision and growth that can continue for years and years.

So pick up a pen or brush or camera.  Stop saying I can't!  Look for what moves you and then start there.  Let go - feel free - laugh - create - see - express, and repeat!  It's your vision and your expression - and that is something no one can have but you!  Celebrate that!  You are unique!

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.” 

― Ansel Adams

Namaste,

Lesli

“The world is not respectable; it is mortal, tormented, confused, deluded forever; but it is shot through with beauty, with love, with glints of courage and laughter; and in these, the spirit blooms timidly, and struggles to the light amid the thorns."  -  George Santayana

We have once again been exposed to parts of the world that are indeed confused and mortal, causing suffering, pain and death.  It seems unthinkable that young men living in the US would come to this end, and we may find ourselves questioning and looking for reason.  We likely will find little that will give us answers or solace, and feel troubled and confused by these events.

It is especially at these times we should turn our gaze to those things that nurture our spirits, that lift us and those who are affected by tragedy to a more courageous and beautiful place.  Our spirits must flow to a loving and positive space, and show the way for others.  

We may become cynical and suspicious when bad events occur, yet if we widen our gaze and our viewpoint, we will always find the good - the good people, the courageous, the giving, the strong and incredible ones.  There were many of these in Boston - doctors and nurses who worked after running the marathon to tend the injured, bystanders who became rescuers and givers of solace and strength, responders who put aside fear and placed themselves in danger to help those who had fallen.  These are the stories worth telling and hearing; these are the spirits who soar and rise above the fray.  They are our lights in the darkness.

There will be many times in life where we are faced with adversity, challenge, fear and confusion.  How do we respond to these?   At these times I find the quotes of a great and wonderful man - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, - relevant and powerful reminders of how to live. He once said the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.  His philosophy was that we must not let the darkness of hate blind us but rather bring forward the light of love to drive out the hate.  

Our spirits cannot soar and rise if hate contaminates our minds.  We must continually and repeatedly find and renew our courage and capacity to forgive.  We must look for the good in every moment, the flower amidst the thorns.  The world can heal only through love, forgiveness, compassion, and hope.  Hold these in your heart - show them to your fellow beings, and be a shining spirit for good.

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. - Buddha

Namaste,

Lesli